Analyzer and computer program product

ABSTRACT

An analyzer that comprises a sample measuring mechanism for measuring a sample and generating a measurement value, a memory for storing a plurality of standard values for evaluation of the measurement value, the plurality of standard values including a fixed standard value and a variable standard value, a controller for evaluating the measurement value based on the standard values; and an output device for outputting result of the evaluation of the measurement value by the evaluation means is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/213,699filed Aug. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,266 issued Feb. 6, 2007.The entire disclosure of the prior application, application number11/213,699, is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an analyzer and computer programproduct, and specifically relates to an analyzer and computer programproduct providing a function for evaluating measurement values.

BACKGROUND

Conventional devices are known which provide settable standard values(upper limit value and lower limit value) for evaluation (ranking) ofmeasurement values (for example, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,487).

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,487 is allows changing ofthe standard values. Therefore, a user of this analyzer can change thestandard values in accordance with the purpose for which the analyzer isused. For example, it is possible to have separate standard values foranalyzing specimens from hospitalized patients, and standard values foranalyzing specimens from persons undergoing routine health examinations,and, therefore, it is possible to accurately rank the measurementvalues.

However, the standard values used in ranking measurement values includestandard values that may be optionally changed by the user of theanalyzer, and standard values that cannot be optionally changed.

For example, since analyzers often do not operate normally whenmeasurement values fall into a ranking representing a lowest value and aranking representing a highest value, the standard values for theserankings may not be optionally changed by a user.

Since this point has not been considered in the case of conventionalanalyzers, however, it is difficult to accurately set standard values.

SUMMARY

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appendedclaims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within thissummary.

An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer andcomputer program product that provide easy and accurate setting ofstandard values for evaluating measurement values.

A first aspect of the present invention is an analyzer comprising: asample measuring section for measuring a sample and generating ameasurement value; a memory for storing a plurality of standard valuesfor evaluation of the measurement value, the plurality of standardvalues including a fixed standard value and a variable standard value;an evaluation means for evaluating the measurement value based on thestandard values; and an output device for outputting result of theevaluation of the measurement value by the evaluation means.

A second aspect of the present invention is a computer program productcomprising: a first computer code for measuring a sample and generatinga measurement value; a second computer code for storing a plurality ofstandard values for evaluation of the measurement value, the pluralityof standard values including a fixed standard value and a variablestandard value; a third computer code for evaluating the measurementvalue based on the standard values; and a fourth computer code foroutputting result of the evaluation of the measurement value.

A third aspect of the present invention is an analyzer comprising: asample measuring section for measuring a sample and generating ameasurement value; a display device; a memory for storing first andsecond standard values for evaluating the measurement value; a firststandard value setting means for displaying a first screen including thefirst standard value on the display device, and receiving a change ofthe first standard value; and a second standard value setting means fordisplaying a second screen including the second standard value on thedisplay device, and receiving a change of the second standard value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a urineanalyzer of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of theurine analyzer of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram showing the structure of the detectionunit 15 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing the structure of the conductivitysensor 19 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a summary of the processes executed bythe controller 21;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing details of the mode switching process(step S2);

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing details of the user setting process (stepS6);

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing details of the service setting process(step S8);

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing details of the specimen number settingprocess (step S10);

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing details of the measurement process (stepS12);

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram illustrating the structure of theten-key pad 90;

FIG. 12 is a structural diagram showing the structure of a standardvalue table 71;

FIG. 13 shows the standard value change screen 75 utilized by the user;

FIG. 14 shows a standard value change screen 121 used by servicepersonnel; and

FIG. 15 shows an analysis result screen 151.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are describedhereinafter with reference to the drawings.

The embodiments below are described in terms of a urine analyzer foranalyzing tangible material in urine as an example of the analyzer ofthe present invention.

The urine analyzer of the present embodiment for analyzing tangiblematerials in urine is provided with an analyzer body 1, laser powersupply 3, and vacuum source 5 as shown in FIG. 1.

The analyzer body 1 is provided with a power switch 6, transport unit 10for automatically conveying specimen containers containing urine assamples to a suction unit 11, suction unit 11 for suctioning urine fromthe specimen container, start switch 7 for starting the suctioning ofurine by the suction unit 11, and a touch panel type liquid crystaldisplay 9 (hereinafter referred to as “display 9”) for receivingoperation instruction input from a user and displaying urine analysisresults and the like.

A vacuum source 5, which supplies positive pressure and negativepressure to the analyzer body 1, is connected to the analyzer body 1through a tube not shown in the drawing. A laser power supply 3, whichsupplies power to an argon laser described later, is connected to theanalyzer body 1 through a cable not shown in the drawing. Reagentcontainers not shown in the drawing are connected to the analyzer body1, and the body 1 suctions reagent from the reagent containers using thenegative pressure supplied from the vacuum source 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the analyzer body 1 is provided with the transportunit 10, suction unit 11, sample preparation mechanism 13, detectionunit 15, controller 21, alarm 24, and display 9.

The sample preparation mechanism 13 prepares a measurement sample bymixing urine suctioned by the suction unit 11, and reagent suctionedfrom the reagent container, and transports the measurement sample to thedetection unit 15.

The detection unit 15 detects detection data such as scattered lightdata, fluorescence data, and voltage from the measurement sampletransported from the sample preparation mechanism 13, and outputs thedetection data to the controller 21.

The controller 21 analyzes the detection data output from the detectionunit 21, and generates analysis results which are then output to thedisplay 9.

The controller 21 is provided with a CPU 23, A/D conversion circuit 26,and memory 25. The A/D conversion circuit 26 converts the detection dataoutput from the detection unit 15 from analog values to digital values,which are then output to the memory 25.

The memory 25 is provided with ROM and RAM. Programs for operating theanalyzer body 1 described later are stored in ROM. Standard valuestorage area 27 for storing standard values described later is providedin RAM. Detection data output from the detection unit 15 are stored inRAM.

The alarm 24 is a sound generating device for generating a warning soundand an operating sound in accordance with directions from the controller21.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 15 is provided with aconductivity sensor 19, direct current power supply circuit 29,electrodes 30 a and 30 b, argon laser 31, illumination lens system 33,sample nozzle 34, flow cell 35, beam stopper 36, collector lens 37,pinhole 38, dichroic mirror 39, filter 41, photomultiplier 43, lens 45,photodiode 47, and amplifiers 49, 51, and 53.

A measurement sample transported from the sample preparation unit 13flows through the conductivity sensor 19 and sample nozzle 34 to theflow cell 35.

Light emitted from the argon laser 31 is collected by the illuminationlens system 33, and irradiates the measurement sample flowing throughthe flow cell 35. The light which has irradiated the measurement sampleis scattered, and collected by the collector lens 37, light that is notrequired for measurement is eliminated by the pinhole 38, and theremaining light irradiated the dichroic mirror 39. The beam stopper 36blocks the directly irradiating light from the argon laser 31. The argonlaser 31 generates laser light using power supplied form the laser powersupply 3. A light-emitting diode (LED) and lasers such as a helium neonlaser, red semiconductor laser, or blue semiconductor laser may bealternatively used in place of the argon laser 31.

The light illuminating the dichroic mirror 39 is separated into ascattered light component and a fluorescent light component. Thescattered light component is collected by the lens 45, and irradiatesthe photodiode 47. Only the fluorescent light component of specificwavelength is transmitted by the filter 41, and irradiates thephotomultiplier 43.

The photodiode 47 and photomultiplier 43 output electric signals whichcorrespond to the intensity of the irradiating light. The outputelectric signals are amplified by the amplifiers 49 and 51, andtransmitted to the controller 21.

The DC power supply circuit 29 applies a DC current through theelectrode 30 a and electrode 30 b to the measurement sample flowingthrough the flow cell 35.The DC power supply circuit 29 is provided witha function for detecting the voltage between the electrode 30 a andelectrode 30 b, and the detected voltage is amplified by the amplifier53 and transmitted to the controller 21.

The conductivity sensor 19 is used for calculating the conductivity ofthe measurement sample. The conductivity sensor 19 detects the voltageof the measurement sample flowing through. The voltage detected by theconductivity sensor 19 is transmitted through the DC power supplycircuit 29 to the amplifier 53, the voltage is amplified by theamplifier 53 and transmitted to the controller 21. The controller 21calculates (generates) a conductivity from the received voltage.

As shown in FIG. 4, the conductivity sensor 19 is provided with a tube61, electrode 63, electrode 65, and detection circuit 67.

The tube 61 is formed of ceramic material 1 cm in length and has aninternal diameter of 1 mm. In FIG. 4, a part of the tube 61 is shown incross section. The electrodes 63 and 65 are hollow electrodes formed ofstainless steel and have an internal diameter of 1 mm, and are connectedto the ends of the tube 61. The measurement sample flows within theinterior of the electrode 63, tube 61, and electrode 65, through samplenozzle 34 to the flow cell 35.

The detection circuit 67 is connected to the electrodes 63 and 65. Thedetection circuit 67 has the functions of supplying a current whichflows through the electrode 63, measurement sample inside the tube 61,and electrode 65, and detecting and outputting the voltage between theelectrodes 63 and 65 obtained while the current flows.

The operation of the urine analyzer of the present embodiment isdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 1˜15.

A summary of the processes executed by the controller 21 is describedbelow using FIG. 5.

When a user turned ON the power supply of the analyzer body 1 byoperating the power switch 6 (step S1), the controller 21 executes amode switching process (step S2).

The mode switching process sets the analyzer body 1 to either the usermode or service mode.

Then, the controller 21 executes an initialization process (step S3).The initialization process includes a process for initializing software(however, the service flag, which is described later, is not changed),and a process for returning the mechanisms such as the suction unit 11and sample preparation unit 13 and the like to their starting positions.When the initialization process ends, a measurement screen for startinga measurement is displayed on the display 9. The measurement screenincludes a parameter key if the analyzer body 1 has been set to theservice mode, and does not include the parameter key if the analyzerbody 1 has been set to the user mode. That is, the parameter key isdisplayed on the display 9 when the analyzer body 1 has been set to theservice mode, and is not displayed on the display 9 when the analyzerbody 1 has been set to the user mode.

Next, the controller 21 determines whether or not there has been inputfrom any key displayed on the measurement screen of the display 9, orthe start switch 7 (hereinafter referred to as “key” (step S4).

When there has been key input in step S4, the controller 21 determineswhether or not the input key is a setting key (step S5). The setting keyis displayed on the display 9 both when the analyzer body 1 is set tothe user mode and when the analyzer body 1 is set to the service mode,and is used to display the standard value change screen for the user asdescribed later. When it is determined that the input key is the settingkey, the controller 21 executes the user setting process (step S6). Theuser setting process includes a process for setting predeterminedstandard values (second standard values) among the standard values forevaluating conductivity of measurement sample in the user mode and theservice mode.

When it is determined that the input key is not the setting key in stepS5, the controller 21 determines whether or not the input key is theparameter key (step S7). The parameter key is displayed on the display 9when the analyzer body 1 has been set to the service mode, and is usedto display a standard value change screen for service personneldescribed later. When the input key is determined to be the parameterkey, the controller 21 executes the service setting process (step S8).The service setting process includes a process for setting predeterminedstandard values (first standard values) among the standard values forevaluating the conductivity of the measurement sample.

When it is determined that the input key is not the parameter key instep S7, the controller 21 determines whether or not the input key isthe specimen number input key (step S9). When it is determined that theinput key is the specimen number input key, the controller 21 executesthe specimen number receiving process (step S10). The specimen numberreceiving process includes a process for receiving the specimen numberfor specifying the urine (specimen) to be measured. This processincludes a switching process for switching from the service mode to theuser mode.

When it is determined that the input key is not the specimen numberinput key in step S9, the controller 21 determines whether or not theinput key is the start switch 7 (step S11). When it is determined thatthe input key is the start switch 7, the controller 21 executes themeasurement process (step S12). The measurement process includes aprocess for measuring the urine, a process for acquiring the measurementvalues including the numbers of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells(WBC), epidermal cells (EC), columnar cells (CAST), bacteria (BACT), andconductivity (COND) and the like, and a process for evaluating themeasurement values using the standard values.

When it is determined in step S11 that the input key is not the startswitch 7, the controller 21 determines whether or not the input key isthe shutdown key (step S13). When it is determined that the input key isthe shutdown key, the controller 21 executes the shutdown process (stepS14). The shutdown process includes a process for washing the suctionunit 11 and sample preparation unit 13 and the like, and a process forending specific programs, and the analyzer body 1 is turned OFF when theshutdown process ends.

Details of the mode switching process of step S2 are described belowusing FIG. 6.

In step S201, the controller 21 executes a process to display theinitiation screen on the display 9.

In step S202, the controller 21 sets the service flag (hereinafter“flag” is abbreviated as “F”) to [0].

In step S203, the controller 21 executes a process to start a timer T.

In step S204, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not the timer T has ended. The timer T stops 5 seconds afterstarting. If the timer T has not ended, then in step S205 the controller21 executes a process to determine whether or not a predeterminedposition on the display 9 (bottom right of display 9) has been touched.If the predetermined position has not been touched in step S205, theprocess to determine whether or not the timer T has ended is againexecuted (step S204).

When the timer T has ended in step S204, the service flag F remains setat [0] and the routine advances to step S3. In this way the analyzerbody 1 operates under the user mode.

There is no display suggesting the user should touch the bottom right ofthe display 9 (for example a key or button). If only specific personsassigned to maintain the urine analyzer know to touch the predeterminedposition, then the assigned person can switch the urine analyzer to theservice mode, and normal users cannot switch to the service mode.Therefore, the assigned user can change both the first standard valuesand the second standard values, whereas normal users can change thesecond standard values but cannot change the first standard values.

If the predetermined position on the display 9 has been touched in stepS205, then the ten-key pad 90 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on thedisplay 9 (step S206). The ten key pad 90 is provided with ten numerickeys 100˜109 for inputting numbers 0˜9, cancel key 110 for canceling aninput number, input key 111 for accepting an input number, displaysection 112 for displaying input numbers, and end key 113 for endingpassword input.

The controller 21 then receives the password (numbers and the like)input by the ten-key pad 90 displayed on the display 9, and executes aprocess to determine whether or not there is input from the input key111 (step S207).

When a password (numbers and the like) is input and there is input fromthe input key 11, the controller 21 executes a process to determinewhether or not the input password (numbers and the like) matches apredetermined password (first password) (step S208). The first passwordincludes, for example, four digits and is stored beforehand in thememory 25.

When the input password (numbers and the like) matches the firstpassword, the controller 21 sets the service flag to [1] (step S209). Inthis way the analyzer body 1 operates under the service mode.

If the input password (numbers and the like) does not match the firstpassword, the controller 21 initializes the display section 112 of theten-key pad 90 (step S210), and again executes the process of step S207.

If a password (numbers and the like) has not been input in step S207,the controller 21 executes a process to determine whether or not thereis input from the end key 113 (step S211). Password input ends when theuser touches the end key 113 provided on the ten-key pad 90.

When the end key 113 is touched, the controller 21 ends the modeswitching process (step S2), and advances to the initialization process(step S3). In this way the analyzer body 1 operates under the user mode.

When there is no input from the end key 113 in step S211, the controller21 again executes the process of step S207.

Details of the user setting process in step S6 are described below usingFIG. 7.

In step S401, the controller 21 reads the standard values stored in thestandard value storage area 27 of the memory 25.

FIG. 12 shows a standard values table 71 stored in the standard valuestorage area 27. The standard values included in the standard valuestable 71 are used to evaluate the conductivity calculated by thecontroller 21 based on the voltage of the measurement sample detected bythe conductivity sensor 19. The standard values table 71 include [0] asa lower limit value (standard value), and [5] as an upper limit value(standard value) of rank 1 which shows the conductivity in the lowestregion. Similarly, the standard values table 71 includes 5.1 as a lowerlimit value (standard value) and 16 as an upper limit value (standardvalue) of rank 2 in the second lowest region of conductivity, 16.1 as alower limit value (standard value) and 27 as an upper limit value(standard value) of rank 3 in the third lowest region of conductivity,27.1 as a lower limit value (standard value) and 38 as an upper limitvalue of rank 4 in the second highest region of conductivity, and 38.1as a lower limit value (standard value) of rank 5 in the highest regionof conductivity. The lack of an upper limit value for rank 5 indicatesthat all numeric value equal to or greater than 38.1 are included inrank 5. Furthermore, conductivity can be classified in any rank fromrank 1 to rank 5 since the hundredths decimals are rounded off.

When urine is measured there is a very low possibility of classificationin rank 1 and rank 5; for example, when conductivity is classified inrank 1, it should be considered that water rather than urine has beenmeasured, or that the analyzer is malfunctioning.

However, when conductivity is equivalent to rank 5, it should beconsidered that the analyzer is malfunctioning. Therefore, it is notdesirable for a user of the analyzer to optionally change the range ofthese ranks.

It is desirable, however, that a user of the urine analyzer should beable to change the ranges rank 2, rank 3, and rank 4 in accordance withthe purpose for which the analyzer is used. For example, the standardvalues when evaluating the conductivity measured in the case of ahospitalized patient, and the standard values when evaluating theconductivity measured in the case of health exam subjects may beseparate values.

Then, in step S402, the controller 21 executes a process for displayingthe user standard value change screen on the display 9.

FIG. 13 shows the user standard value change screen 75 displayed on thedisplay 9 in step S402. The user standard value change screen 75includes a standard value display section 77 for displaying standardvalues, and a ten-key pad 93. The standard value display section 77includes a rank display section 79 for displaying numeric values from 1to 5 indicating rank 1 to rank 5, lower limit display section 81 fordisplaying the lower limit values from rank 1 to rank 5 displayedadjacent and to the right of the rank display section 79, upper limitdisplay section 83 for displaying the upper limit values from rank 1 torank 5 displayed adjacent and to the right of the lower limit displaysection 81, up arrow key 87, and down arrow key 89. Lower limit valuesread from the standard value storage area 27 in step S401 are displayedin the lower limit display section 81, and upper limit values read fromthe standard value storage area 27 in step S401 are displayed in theupper limit display section 83.

A cursor 85 is displayed in the upper limit display section 83. Thecursor 85 moves up one line each time the user touches the up arrow key87, and moves down one line each time the user touches the down arrowkey 89. The cursor 85 is movable only in the position of the upper limitvalue of rank 2 (that is, the cursor 85 overlays the position of thenumeric value 18) and the position of the upper limit value of rank 3(that is, the cursor 85 overlays the numeric value 30). When the cursor85 is at the position of the upper limit value of rank 2 and the usertouches the up arrow key 87, the cursor 85 does not move, and the alarm24 emits a warning sound. When the cursor 85 is at the position of theupper limit value of rank 3 and the user touches the down arrow key 89,the cursor 85 does not move, and the alarm 24 emits a warning sound. Inthis way the user easily understands that the upper limit values of rank1 and rank 4 cannot be changed.

The ten-key pad 93 is identical to the previously described ten-key pad90.

Then, in step S403, the controller 21 executes a process for receiving achange (setting) of the standard values.

With the cursor 85 placed at the position of the upper limit value ofrank 2, when the user inputs a numeric value using the ten-key pad 93and subsequently touches the input key, the upper limit value of rank 2is changed to the input numeric value. Then, the lower limit value ofrank 3 is automatically changed to a numeric value obtained by adding0.1 to the input numeric value. With the cursor 85 placed at theposition of the upper limit value of rank 3, when the user inputs anumeric value using the ten-key pad 93 and subsequently touches theinput key of the ten-key pad 93, the upper limit value of rank 3 ischanged to the input numeric value. Then, the lower limit value of rank4 is automatically changed to a numeric value obtained by adding 0.1 tothe input value. The upper limit value cannot be changed when a numberless than the upper limit value of a next lower rank is input using theten-key pad 93 and the input key is touched in an attempt to change theupper limit value. The upper limit value cannot be changed when a numbergreater than the upper limit value of a next higher rank is input usingthe ten-key pad 93 and the input key is touched in an attempt to changethe upper limit value.

In step S404, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not there has been input from the end key of the ten-key pad 93.Whenthe end key of the ten-key pad 93 is touched, the setting of thestandard values ends.

When the end key of the ten-key pad 93 is input, then in step S405 thecontroller 21 executes a process to end setting of the standard valuesand the routine returns to the process of step S4.

The process for ending the setting of the standard values includes aprocess for setting the standard values set in step S403 as the upperlimit value of rank 2, lower limit value of rank 3, upper limit value ofrank 3, and lower limit value of rank 4 of the standard values table 71,and storing these values in the standard value storage area 27 of thememory 25.

The process for ending the setting of the standard values furtherincludes a process for displaying a measurement screen for startingmeasurement on the display 9.

If there is no input from the end key of the ten-key pad 93 in stepS404, the controller 21 again executes the process of step S403.

Details of the service setting process of step S8 are described belowusing FIG. 8.

In step S501, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not the service F is set at [1].

When it is determined that the service flag F is set at [1], then instep S502 the controller 21 reads the upper limit value of rank 1 andthe upper limit value of rank 4 among the standard values stored in thestandard value storage area of the memory 25.

Then, in step S503, the controller 21 executes a process for displayingthe service standard value change screen on the display 9.

FIG. 14 shows the standard value change screen 121 used by servicepersonnel displayed on the display 9 in step S503. The service standardvalue change screen 121 includes a parameter display section 123 fordisplaying various types of parameters, and a ten-key pad 125. Theparameter display section 123 includes a standard value display area 127for displaying [DC LL] indicating the upper limit value of rank 1,standard value display area 129 for displaying [DC UL] indicating theupper limit value of rank 4, cursor 131, up arrow key 135, down arrowkey 137 and areas for displaying other parameters. The upper limit valueof rank 1 read from the standard value storage area 27 in step S502 isdisplayed on the standard value display area 127, and the upper limitvalue of rank 4 read from the standard value storage area 27 in stepS502 is displayed on the standard value display area 129.

The cursor 31 moves up one line each time a user touches the up arrowkey 135, and moves down one line each time a user touches the down arrowkey 137.

The ten-key pad 125 is identical to the previously described ten-key pad90.

In step S504, the controller 21 executes a process to receive a changein the standard values.

With the cursor 131 aligned on the position of the standard valuedisplay area 127, when the user inputs a numeric value using the ten-keypad 125 and touches the input key of the ten-key pad 125, the rank 1upper limit value (DC LL) is changed to the input numeric value. Withthe cursor 131 aligned on the position of the standard value displayarea 129, when the user inputs a numeric value using the ten-key pad 125and touches the input key of the ten-key pad 125, the rank 4 upper limitvalue (DC UL) is changed to the input numeric value. With the cursor 131aligned on the position of the standard value display area 127, when theuser inputs a numeric value using the ten-key pad 125 and the numericvalue is greater than the upper limit of rank 2, the upper limit valueis not changed. With the cursor 131 aligned on the position of thestandard value display area 129, when the user inputs a numeric valueusing the ten-key pad 125 and the numeric value is less than the upperlimit value of rank 3, the upper limit value is not changed.

In step S505, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not there has been input from the end key of the ten-key pad 125.Whenthe end key of the ten-key pad 125 is touched, the setting of thestandard values ends.

When there is input from the end key of the ten-key pad 125, then instep S506 the controller 21 executes a process to end setting of thestandard values and the routine returns to the process of step S4.

The process to end setting of the standard values includes a process forsetting the changed upper limit values as the upper limit value of rank1 and the upper limit value of rank 4 in the standard values table 71,and setting the lower limit value of rank 2 to a numeric value obtainedby adding 0.1 to the upper limit value of rank 1, and setting the lowerlimit value of rank 5 to a numeric value obtained by adding 0.1 to theupper limit value of rank 4, and storing these values in the standardvalue storage area 27 of the memory 25.

The process for ending the setting of the standard values furtherincludes a process for displaying a measurement screen for startingmeasurement on the display 9.

If there is no input from the end key of the ten-key pad 125 in stepS505, the controller 21 again executes the process of step S504.

When it is determined in step S501 that the service F is not set at [1],the service setting process (step S8) ends, and the routine returns tothe process of step S4.

Since the analyzer of the present embodiment does not display aparameter key on the display 9 unless operating under the service mode,a user cannot set the upper limit values of rank 1 and rank 4 unless themeasurement device 1 is operating under the service mode. That is, whenthe measurement device 1 is operating under the user mode, the upperlimit values of rank 1 and rank 4 are fixed values. However, the upperlimit values of rank 2 and rank 3 are changeable numeric values themeasurement device 1 is operating under either the user mode or servicemode.

Since the analyzer of the present embodiment does not execute thestandard value change reception process (step S504) insofar as theservice F has not been set at [1], it is possible to reliably preventchanging the upper limit values of rank 1 and rank 4 when operatingunder the user mode.

Since the analyzer of the present embodiment separately displays aservice standard value change screen 121 for changing the upper limitvalues of rank 1 and rank 4, an a user standard value change screen 75for changing the upper limit values of rank 2 and rank 3, it is possibleto prevent erroneously changing the upper limit values of rank 1 andrank 4 when changing the upper limit values of rank 2 and rank 3.

Details of the specimen number setting process of step S10 are describedbelow using FIG. 9.

In step S601, the controller 21 executes a process to display a ten-keypad identical in structure to the ten-key pad 90 shown in FIG. 11 on thedisplay 9.

The controller 21 then executes a process to determine whether or notthe specimen number (numbers and the like) is input by the ten-key paddisplayed on the display 9, and whether or not there is input from theinput key (step S602).

In step S603, the controller 21 determines whether or not the service Fis set at [1]. When the service flag F is set at [1], the routineadvances to the process of step S604, whereas when the service F is notset at [1], the routine advances to the process of step S606.

In step S604, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not the input specimen number (numbers and the like) matches apredetermined password (second password) (step S604). The secondpassword is different from the first password used in the mode switchingprocess (step S2).

When the input specimen number (numbers and the like) matches the secondpassword, the controller 21 sets the service F at [0] (step S605). Inthis way the analyzer body 1 operates under the user mode.

When the input specimen number (numbers and the like) does not match thesecond password, the controller 21 sets the input specimen number(numbers and the like) as the specimen number of the next urine(specimen) to be measured, and stores the number in the memory 25 (stepS606).

When a specimen number (numbers and the like) is not input in step S602,the controller 21 executes a process to determine whether or not therehas been input from the end key provided on the ten-key pad (stepS607).Reception of a specimen number is ended when the user touches theend key.

When the end key is touched, the specimen number reception process (stepS10) ends, and the routine returns to the process of step S4.

Details of the measurement process of step S12 are described below usingFIG. 10.

In step S701, the controller 21 executes a process to suction urine fromthe specimen container by the suction unit 11.

Then, in step S702, the controller 21 executes a process to prepare ameasurement sample by mixing urine and reagent using the samplepreparation unit 13.

Next, in step S703, the controller 21 executes a process for detectingdetection data from the measurement sample using the detection unit 15.

In step S704, the controller 21 executes a process to acquiremeasurement values from the detection data.

Specifically, the controller 21 creates scattergrams based on thescattered light information and fluorescent light information obtainedby the detection unit 15. The numbers of red blood cells (RBC), whiteblood cells (WBC), epidermal cells (EC), columnar cells (CAST), andbacteria (BACT) are acquired (calculated) as measurement values based onthe scattergrams and the voltage detected by the DC current circuit 29.The controller 21 also calculates the conductivity (COND) of themeasurement sample as a measurement value based on the voltage of themeasurement sample detected by the conductivity sensor 19.

In step S705, the controller 21 reads the standard values stored in thestandard values storage area 27 of the memory 25.

In step S706, the controller 21 executes a process to rank (evaluate)the conductivity from rank 1 to rank 5 based on the conductivity and thestandard values.

For example, when the standard values are set as shown in the standardvalues table 71 of FIG. 12, a conductivity of 0 or more but less than 5is designated rank 1, conductivity of 5.1 or more but less than 16 isdesignated rank 2, conductivity of 16.1 or more but less than 27 isdesignated rank 3, conductivity of 27.1 or more but less than 38 isdesignated rank 4, and conductivity of 38.1 or more is designated rank5.

In step S707, the controller 21 executes a process to determine whetheror not the conductivity is a reliable value.

Specifically, the conductivity reliability is low when the conductivityis less than the upper limit value of rank 1, and more than the upperlimit of rank 4. When the conductivity is such an unreliable value, theurine analyzer can be considered to have malfunctioned, or a fluid otherthan urine (for example, water) has been measured.

In step S708, the controller 21 displays the analysis result screen,which indicates the measurement value acquired in step S704, the rankingresult acquired step S706, and the reliability determined in step S707,on the display 9.

FIG. 15 shows the analysis result screen 151 displayed on the display 9.

The analysis result screen 151 includes an attribute display area 153which shows urine attributes, scattergram display areas 155 and 157which show the scattergrams created based on the scattered lightinformation and fluorescent light information, and an analysis resultdisplay area showing the urine analysis results including themeasurement values.

The attribute display area 153 includes information such as the specimennumber, time the specimen was measured, sex of the subject, urine type,and urine color and the like. The number set in the specimen numbersetting process (step S10) is displayed as the specimen number.

The analysis result display area 159 includes a five item display area161 for displaying the numbers of red blood cells (RBC), white bloodcells (WBC), epidermal cells (EC), columnar cells (CAST), bacteria(BACT), and a conductivity display area 163 for displaying theconductivity (COND).

The conductivity display area 163 displays the conductivity calculatedin step S704 (26.8 in FIG. 15), the units of conductivity displayed inthe adjacent right side of the conductivity (mS/cm in FIG. 15), and therank determined in step S706 appears to the adjacent right of the units(rank 3 in FIG. 15). When rank 1 or rank 5 appear in the conductivity,an asterisk mark [*] indicating low reliability is displayed between theconductivity and the units.

Since the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit value of rank4 are fixed values and the upper limit value of rank 2 and the upperlimit value of rank 3 are changeable values in the previously describedembodiment, the standard values which should not be optionallychangeable of the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit valueof rank 4 are not changeable, and the standard values which should beoptionally changeable of the upper limit value of rank 2 and the upperlimit value of rank 3 are changeable.

In this way the urine analyzer of the present embodiment prevents a userfrom inappropriately changing standard values which should not bechanged.

For example, if the users of the urine analyzer are not taught themethod for switching to the service mode, and only the personresponsible for the maintenance of the urine analyzer is learns themethod for switching to the service mode, then the users cannot changethe standard values which should not be optionally changeable of theupper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit value of rank 4, and canchange the standard values which should be optionally changeable of theupper limit value of rank 2 and the upper limit value of rank 3.

When is necessary to change the upper limit value of rank 1 and theupper limit value of rank 4, the person responsible for maintenance ofthe urine analyzer can change those standard values.

The above described embodiment should not be considered as limited inany respect to the examples given. The scope of the present invention isdescribed by the scope of the claims and not by the description of theabove embodiment, and further includes all modifications within thescope of the claims and all equivalences of meaning within the scope ofthe claims.

Although the present embodiment as been described in terms of a urineanalyzer which switches to the service mode when a predeterminedpassword is entered after a specific position on the display 9 has beentouched within a predetermined time after the power has been turned ON,the present invention is not limited to this example inasmuch as thepresent invention is also applicable to urine analyzers which operateonly in a user mode and cannot switch to a service mode.

Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to urine analyzerswhich automatically switch to a service mode when a specific position onthe display 9 is touched within a predetermined time after the power hasbeen turned ON.

Furthermore, although password entry is required to switch from theservice mode to the user mode in the previously described embodiment,the present invention is not limit to this arrangement inasmuch as themode may also be automatically switched to the user mode when apredetermined button is touched.

Although the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit value ofrank 4 are fixed values in the user mode and these standard values arechangeable values in the service mode in the above described embodiment,the present invention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch asthese standard values also may be fixed values in the service mode.

Although the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit value ofrank 4 are changeable values in the service mode and these standardvalues in the above described embodiment, the present invention is notlimited to this arrangement inasmuch as only one value among either theupper limit value of rank 1 or the upper limit value of rank 4 may be achangeable value.

Although the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limit value ofrank 4 are fixed values in the user mode and the upper limit value ofrank 2 and the upper limit value of rank 3 are changeable values in theuser mode in the above described embodiment, the present invention isnot limited to this arrangement inasmuch as these the upper limit valueof rank 1 and the upper limit value of rank 4 may be changeable valuesand the upper limit value of rank 2 and the upper limit value of rank 3may be fixed values in the user mode.

Although the upper limit value of rank 2 and the upper limit value ofrank 3 are changeable values in the user mode and the service mode inthe above described embodiment, the present invention is not limited tothis arrangement inasmuch as these standard values may be changeable inthe user mode and also be fixed values in the service mode. In this wayerroneous changing of the upper limit value of rank 2 and upper limitvalue of rank 3 in the service mode can be prevented. Changing ofstandard values in the service mode is easily accomplished since allstandard values are changeable in the service mode if the upper limitvalue of rank 2 and the upper limit value of rank 3 are changeable inboth the user mode and the service mode as in the above describedembodiment.

In the above embodiment, a user standard value change screen 75 isdisplayed on the display 9 as a screen for changing the upper limitvalue of rank 2 and the upper limit value of rank 3, and a servicestandard value change screen 121 is displayed on the display 9 as ascreen for changing the upper limit value of rank 1 and the upper limitvalue of rank 4, however, the present invention is not limited to thisarrangement inasmuch as these standard values also may be changed fromthe same screen.

Although the above embodiment is configured such that the lower limitvalue of the next higher rank is automatically changed when the upperlimit value of a rank is changed, the present invention is not limitedto this arrangement inasmuch as the upper limit value of the next lowerrank also may be automatically changed when a lower limit value of arank is changed. Furthermore, both upper limit values and lower limitvalues may also be optionally changeable.

Although the memory 25 stores only one set of standard values in theabove embodiment, the present invention is not limited to thisarrangement inasmuch as a plurality of standard values may also bestored in accordance with attributes such as subject (patient) sex, age,and state of disease and the like. For example, standard values forfemale patients and standard values for male patients may berespectively stored in the memory 25. In this case, the controller 21may automatically select the female or male standard values inaccordance with the sex of the patient, and use the selected standardvalues for the conductivity ranking.

Although the conductivity evaluation result is displayed in text fromrank 1 to rank 5, in the above embodiment the present invention is notlimited to this arrangement inasmuch as the result may also be displayedin text as large, intermediate, and small, or the magnitude of theconductivity may be represented by a number of [+] symbols, or a linerepresenting the evaluation result may be provided such that themagnitude of the conductivity is represented by the length of the line.

Although both the conductivity and ranking are displayed on themeasurement result screen 151 in the above embodiment, the presentinvention is not limited to this arrangement inasmuch as the rankingalone may be displayed without displaying the conductivity.

Although only conductivity is ranked in the above embodiment, thenumbers of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), epidermalcells (EC), columnar cells (CAST), and bacteria (BACT) also may beranked.

Although the above embodiment describes a urine analyzer for analyzingtangible material in urine as an example of the analyzer of the presentinvention, the present invention is not limited to this example inasmuchas the present invention is also applicable to urine qualitativeanalyzers which immerse a test sheet to which reaction test papers forseparate measurement items have been adhered into a urine sample for apredetermined time, compare the test sheet colors with determinationstandard colors, and automatically acquire the degree of color changefor each measurement item as a measurement value. In this case, thedegree of color change can be classified as [−], [±], [+], [2+], and[3+], and changeable values and fixed values may also be provided asstandard values for classifying these degrees of color change.

Although the above embodiment describes a urine analyzer for analyzingtangible material in urine as an example of the analyzer of the presentinvention, the present invention is not limited to this example inasmuchas the present invention is also applicable to analyzers other thanurine analyzers, such as blood analyzers and the like.

Although the above embodiment describes a urine analyzer for analyzingtangible material in urine as an example of the analyzer of the presentinvention, the present invention is not limited to this example inasmuchas the present invention is also applicable to programs stored in theROM of memory 25 of the previously described urine analyzer. The presentinvention is further applicable to computer-readable recording media(for example, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM) for recording the aforesaid programs.

1. An analyzer comprising: memory means for storing a plurality ofmemory locations each of which stores numeric data; selecting means forselecting one of the memory locations; input means for storing numericdata into the one of the memory locations selected by the selectingmeans; preventing means for preventing storage of numeric dataconflicting with the numeric data stored in others of the memorylocations; sample measuring means for measuring a sample and generatinga measurement value; and evaluation means for evaluating the measurementvalue based on the numeric data stored in the memory locations.
 2. Theanalyzer of claim 1, wherein the memory locations comprise a firstmemory location in which first numeric data is stored and a secondmemory location in which second numeric data which is greater than thefirst numeric data is stored; and preventing means prevents storage ofnumeric data, which is less than the first numeric data, in the secondmemory location.
 3. The analyzer of claim 1, wherein the memorylocations comprise a first memory location in which first numeric datais stored and a second memory location in which second numeric datawhich is greater than the first numeric data is stored; and preventingmeans prevents storage of numeric data, which is greater than the secondnumeric data, in the first memory location.
 4. The analyzer of claim 1,further comprising warning means for outputting a warning when thepreventing means prevents storage of numeric data.
 5. The analyzer ofclaim 1, wherein the memory means further stores a plurality ofdependent memory locations each of which stores dependent numeric data;wherein the analyzer further comprises dependent numeric data changingmeans for changing dependent numeric data based on numeric data storedby the input means.
 6. The analyzer of claim 5, wherein the dependentnumeric data changing means adds a predetermined number to the numericdata stored by the input means.
 7. An analyzer comprising: memory meansfor storing a plurality of selection-restricted memory locations each ofwhich stores numeric data; first input means for inputtingidentification information; authentication means for authenticating auser based on the input identification information; selecting means forselecting one of the selection-restricted memory locations after theuser succeeds authentication by the authentication means; second inputmeans for storing numeric data into the selection-restricted memorylocation selected by the selecting means; sample measuring means formeasuring a sample and generating a measurement value; and evaluationmeans for evaluating the measurement value based on the numeric datastored in the selection-restricted memory locations.
 8. The analyzer ofclaim 7, wherein the memory means further stores a plurality ofselection-free memory locations each of which stores numeric data; andwherein the analyzer further comprises second selecting means forselecting one of the selection-free memory locations in spite of whetheror not the user succeeds authentication by the authentication means; andthird input means for storing numeric data into the selection-freememory location selected by the second selecting means.
 9. The analyzerof claim 7, further comprising activating means for activating the firstinput means, the first input means accepting input of the identificationinformation while the first input means is activated; and wherein theactivating means accepts activation of the first input means in apredetermined time period.
 10. The analyzer of claim 9, furthercomprising analyzer initialization means for initializing the analyzerwhen the activating means does not accept activation of the first inputmeans in the predetermined time period.
 11. The analyzer of claim 7,further comprising authentication terminating means for terminatingsituation that the user is authenticated, wherein the selecting means isnot capable of selecting one of the selection-restricted memorylocations after the authentication terminating means terminates thesituation.
 12. The analyzer of claim 7, wherein, when the user failsauthentication by the authentication means based on the inputidentification information, the input means accepts input of secondidentification information.
 13. An analyzer comprising: memory means forstoring a plurality of memory locations each of which stores numericdata; selecting means for receiving an instruction of selection of oneof the memory locations; input means for storing numeric data into thememory location selected based on the instruction of selection; warningmeans for warning when the selecting means receives an instruction ofselection of a selection-restricted memory location from the pluralityof memory locations; sample measuring means for measuring a sample andgenerating a measurement value; and evaluation means for evaluating themeasurement value based on the numeric data stored in the memorylocations.
 14. The analyzer of claim 13, further comprising restrictionreleasing means for changing the selection-restricted memory location toa selection-free memory location.
 15. The analyzer of claim 14, furthercomprising restriction resuming means for changing the selection-freememory location to the selection-restricted memory location.
 16. Theanalyzer of claim 13, wherein the selection-restricted memory locationis capable of changing to a selection-free memory location; and thewarning means does not warn when the selecting means receives aninstruction of selection of the selection-free memory location.
 17. Theanalyzer of claim 13, wherein the warning means comprises an alarm. 18.An analyzer comprising: memory means for storing a plurality of memorylocations each of which stores numeric data; selecting means forselecting one of the memory locations, the memory locations comprising aselection-free memory location and a selection-restricted memorylocation; input means for storing numeric data into the memory locationselected by the selecting means; sample measuring means for measuring asample and generating a measurement value; and evaluation means forevaluating the measurement value based on the numeric data stored in thememory locations.
 19. The analyzer of claim 18, wherein the numeric datastored in the selection-restricted memory location is used to indicatemalfunction of the analyzer.
 20. The analyzer of claim 18, wherein thenumeric data stored in the selection-restricted memory locationcomprises two numeric data, one of the numeric data being smaller thanthe numeric data stored in the selection-free memory location and theother of the numeric data being greater than the numeric data stored inthe selection-free memory location.
 21. The analyzer of claim 18,wherein the selection-restricted memory location is capable of changingto selection-free memory location.